REFLECTOR: Flight - Natural High

[davedent at comcast.net]

Al, contrats, it is always a joy to see the face of some one that has just made such an accomplishment.  I have been on the other end doing the test flying and came down and either congratulated or made some suggestions.  But none the less I got them back and this in its self has been great for the builder.  May you enjoy the fruit of your labor for a long time to come.
Dave
N32XL

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Andy Millin" <amillin at sbcglobal.net> 

Al,

I want to wish you a most sincere congratulations.  It has been a joy to watch your dream come together into an airplane.  Thanks for letting us share.

I know I'm waiting for the day when I transition to being an "aircraft" owner instead of a kit builder.

Salute!

Andy




From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On Behalf Of Al Gietzen
Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 12:34 AM
To: reflector
Subject: REFLECTOR: Flight - Natural High



A couple of visions, and the associated emotion, are still with me.  The test pilot had taken off and climbed out to the NE and disappeared into the distance below some high scattered clouds.  We knew he was out there, doing his “work”, and occasionally we’d hear the distant distinctive sound of the 3-rotor engine, and we’d hear the occasional call to Center on our hand held radio.  After about 35 minutes we heard his call to the tower, and shortly after could see the speck of the plane miles to the east.  We also heard his request for straight in over the runway, with a break to left downwind over mid-field.  And soon, there it was – in a hard left bank overhead, that distinctive beautiful silhouette against the background of high broken clouds.  Smooth and fast - MY airplane; my sweat and effort and anxiety. What a sight – what a sound!! That moment of exhilaration I’ll remember, and know one of the reasons why we do this.

Later I climbed in the right seat for a flight to focus on engine parameters.  I did that through most of the climb-out, and for awhile as we cruised at 3500’ agl.  But then I started to enjoy the view, and the sensation of speed - even at that altitude, as we banked over the hills and valleys. I took the stick to get a feel for the control response.  And there I was; flying my plane, with the very kool EFIS displays, cruising at 200 mph, and enjoying the beautiful view.  Definitely high; a natural high.

Ok, there are still some problems to solve and things to adjust, but I’ll think about that tomorrow.

Keep building; and it will come.

Al
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From: "Andy Millin" <amillin at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Flight - Natural High
Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 13:17:20 +0000
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